Emmy Rossum Announces She's Leaving Shameless in Emotional Letter

Rossum has been a part of Shameless since the very beginning.

Rossum, who has portrayed Fiona Gallagher on the show since Season 1, posted an emotional letter on Facebook announcing her departure. The actress thanked her cast and crew, and the series' fans for continuing to support Shameless since its 2011 premiere.

"Malcolm Gladwell says it takes 10,000 hours to become truly good at something. To become world class," Rossum wrote. "Well by my calculation, 100 episodes, 7 days per episode (plus Chicago weeks), 12 hour days, we're just at about 10,000 hours. So I guess we're finally good at this."

"I can say for certain that this cast and crew, who I've been have truly honored to work alongside, are world class. I am proud and I’m filled with gratitude," she said.

Throughout the letter, Rossum touches on her audition for the role of Fiona, how much playing the character has impacted her life, and the connections Rossum has made on the show.

"I know you will continue on without me, for now," Rossum wrote. "There is much more Gallagher story to be told. I will always be rooting for my family. Try not to think of me as gone, just think of me as moving down the block."